Hundreds Of Activists Block Danish Pesticide Plant Over Banned Chemical Exports

Hundreds of climate and social justice activists from Denmark and across Europe blocked heavy vehicles traveling to and from the Cheminova pesticide plant.

The action was organized by the Green Youth Movement, the Nordic Climate Justice Coalition and other European groups. Activists are demanding an end to exports of substances banned in Europe and the decontamination of the area.

Some protesters entered the plant grounds to collect soil samples, which they said would be sent to Aarhus University for analysis. A large police contingent was deployed outside the factory, while some employees were sent home.

Cheminova is a Danish industry owned by U.S. multinational FMC that also produces pesticides banned within the European Union and exports them worldwide. Activists say the production and export of products banned in Europe because they are too toxic “can be defined as chemical neocolonialism,” describing it as a double standard that treats some lives as less worthy of protection.

The protest follows Monday’s action featuring slogans, speeches and a concert by activist group Octupus Riot.

The demonstration is part of two weeks of civil disobedience actions called Break the Chain. More than 500 activists from across Europe, including Italy, are expected to take part in direct actions, rallies and camps in Jutland and Zealand, alongside workshops, concerts and public readings.